On the Relation between Domestic Output and Exchange Rate in 68 Countries: An Asymmetry Analysis

In an effort to engage in the most comprehensive analysis of the asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on domestic production, we concentrate on bivariate linear and nonlinear models where domestic output is regressed on the real effective exchange rate. By using annual data from each of the 68 countries in our sample, the findings favor the nonlinear model and nonlinear adjustment of the exchange rate. Exchange rate changes are shown to have short-run asymmetric effects in almost all models. However, the short-run effects translate into long-run asymmetric effects in 24 countries only, though the findings are country specific

On the Relation between Domestic Output and Exchange Rate in 68 Countries: An Asymmetry Analysis

In an effort to engage in the most comprehensive analysis of the asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on domestic production, we concentrate on bivariate linear and nonlinear models where domestic output is regressed on the real effective exchange rate. By using annual data from each of the 68 countries in our sample, the findings favor the nonlinear model and nonlinear adjustment of the exchange rate. Exchange rate changes are shown to have short-run asymmetric effects in almost all models. However, the short-run effects translate into long-run asymmetric effects in 24 countries only, though the findings are country specific

A Thermodynamic Study on the Binding of Polyethyleneglycol 1500 Stearic Acid with Lysozyme

Thermodynamics of the interaction between copolymer of Stearic acid + polyethyleneglycol 1500 mixtures, S1500, with lysozyme was investigated at pH 7.0 and 27 °C in phosphate buffer by isothermal titration calorimetry, ITC. The extended solvation model was used to reproduce the enthalpies of S1500+lysozyme interactions. The solvation parameters recovered from the extended solvation model, attributed to the structural change of lysozyme. The binding parameters found for the interaction of S1500 with lysozyme, indicate that there are 2 set of binding sites in this interaction. The observations indicated that the low S1500 content induced protein stabilization, whereas at the high S1500 concentration, much more stabilization occurred in lysozyme structure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v11i7.137

Study of thermal properties of improved adhesives for medical applications

Adhesives are of important materials in medicine applications. These materials are used in many applications such as disposal medical devices, structural bonds, bone cement, prostheses, etc.. In order to use these materials in medicine applications, the thermal properties of these materials should be evaluated. We measured the thermal properties of the adhesive which has been modified with Hycar rubber. It is found that increasing in Hycar leads to decrease in thermal properties of adhesive. This means that we can not increase the Hycar content beyond the critical value. Because this might result in diminishing adhesive efficiency especially in human bodies where the operation temperature reaches 37 centigrade degrees. Kharaji M Gh, Alimoradi F, Yekrangi A, Mohammadian E, Langari A. Study of Thermal Properties of Improved Adhesives for Medical Applications. Life Sci J 2012;9(2):1308-1310] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 19

Secular trend changes in mean age of morbidity and mortality from an acute myocardial infarction during a 10-year period of time in Isfahan and Najaf Abad

زمینه و هدف: با توجه به گزارشات متفاوت در مورد خصوصیات دموگرافیک بیماران مبتلا به انفارکتوس قلبی حاد در ایران، این مطالعه جهت تعیین میانگین سن رخداد و مرگ و میر از بیماری و تغییرات آن در طول زمان انجام گردید. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه همگروهی گذشته نگر مبتنی بر بیمارستان، 12815 بیمار مبتلا به انفارکتوس قلبی حاد بستری شده در بیمارستان های شهر اصفهان و نجف آباد در طی سال های 87-1378 بررسی شدند. بعد از جمع آوری اطلاعات اولیه بیماران، آنها به مدت 28 روز جهت بررسی پیامدهای بیماری پیگیری شدند. اطلاعات در مورد پیامدهای بیماری از طریق تماس تلفنی یا مراجعه به درب منزل بیماران جمع آوری شد. یافته ها: میانگین سن رخداد بیماری برای مردان 54/12 ± 60 و برای زنان 34/11 ± 72/66 بود (001/0

A Multiport Isolated Resonant LLC Converter for Grid-Tied Renewable Energy Powered Bidirectional EV Charger

This paper proposes an integrated bidirectional multiport DC-DC converter for battery charging of plug-in electric vehicles, which is able to integrate the photovoltaic (PV) system, traction batteries, and the AC grid. The presented converter is more reliable than the conventional topologies because both PV panels and the grid can simultaneously or separately deliver power to the high voltage batteries. In addition, the topology is bidirectional can transfer power from batteries to the AC grid by employing half-bridge CLLC converter with fewer switches. Moreover, a unified controller along with optimum maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is utilized for control of the converter. The converter topology, control system, and operating scenarios are analyzed by using state space modeling. To evaluate the whole system performance, MATLAB/Simulink software is used to test the converter’s operation during different conditions. The simulation results depict that the proposed converter is not only able to control the batteries charge and discharge according to the state of the charge, but also maintain the DC-link voltage of the grid side to be in constant level

Seasonal pattern in admissions and mortality from acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients in Isfahan, Iran

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Advance Trends in Targeting Homology-Directed Repair for Accurate Gene Editing: An Inclusive Review of Small Molecules and Modified CRISPR-Cas9 Systems

Introduction: Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat and its associated protein (CRISPR-Cas)-based technologies generate targeted modifications in host genome by inducing site-specific double-strand breaks (DSBs) that can serve as a substrate for homology-directed repair (HDR) in both in vitro and in vivo models. HDR pathway could enhance incorporation of exogenous DNA templates into the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DSB site. Owing to low rate of HDR pathway, the efficiency of accurate genome editing is diminished. Enhancing the efficiency of HDR can provide fast, easy, and accurate technologies based on CRISPR-Cas9 technologies. Methods: The current study presents an overview of attempts conducted on the precise genome editing strategies based on small molecules and modified CRISPR-Cas9 systems. Results: In order to increase HDR rate in targeted cells, several logical strategies have been introduced such as generating CRISPR effector chimeric proteins, anti-CRISPR proteins, modified Cas9 with donor template, and using validated synthetic or natural small molecules for either inhibiting non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), stimulating HDR, or synchronizing cell cycle. Recently, high-throughput screening methods have been applied for identification of small molecules which along with the CRISPR system can regulate precise genome editing through HDR. Conclusion: The stimulation of HDR components or inhibiting NHEJ can increase the accuracy of CRISPR-Cas-mediated engineering systems. Generating chimeric programmable endonucleases provide this opportunity to direct DNA template close proximity of CRISPR-Cas-mediated DSB. Small molecules and their derivatives can also proficiently block or activate certain DNA repair pathways and bring up novel perspectives for increasing HDR efficiency, especially in human cells. Further, high throughput screening of small molecule libraries could result in more discoveries of promising chemicals that improve HDR efficiency and CRISPR-Cas9 systems

Towards sustainable, solution-processed organic field-effect transistors using cashew gum as the gate dielectric

To realize low-cost, environmentally friendly electronic devices and circuits, there is currently a strong trend to explore plant-based dielectric materials because they can be responsibly sourced from agricultural or forest vegetation, are generally water-soluble, and possess good electrical insulator properties. In this contribution, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) using a biopolymer dielectric obtained from exudates of Anacardium occidentale Linn. trees, namely, cashew gum (CG), are reported. To characterise the physical and dielectric properties of the gum, thin films and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors were prepared and characterized. To evaluate the material’s performance in OFETs, bottom-gate top-contact (BGTC) p-channel poly [3,6-di(2-thien-5-yl)-2,5-di(2-octyldodecyl)-pyrrolo (3,4-c)pyrrole-1,4-dione) thieno (3,2-b) thiophene]:polymethyl methacrylate (DPPTTT:PMMA) transistors were engineered and studied. The fabricated MIM capacitors display a comparatively high areal capacitance of 260 nF/cm2 at 1 kHz for 130 nm thick films. As a result, the solution-processed DPPTTT:PMMA OFETs favourably operate at 3 V with the average saturation field-effect mobility equal to 0.20 cm2/Vs., threshold voltage around −1.4 V, subthreshold swing in the region of 250 mV/dec, and ON/OFF current ratio well above 103. As such, cashew gum emerges as a promising dielectric for sustainable manufacturing of solution-processed organic FETs

The global, regional, and national burden of stomach cancer in 195 countries, 1990-2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2017

Background: Stomach cancer is a major health problem in many countries. Understanding the current burden of stomach cancer and the differential trends across various locations is essential for formulating effective preventive strategies. We report on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to stomach cancer in 195 countries and territories from 21 regions between 1990 and 2017. Methods: Estimates from GBD 2017 were used to analyse the incidence, mortality, and DALYs due to stomach cancer at the global, regional, and national levels. The rates were standardised to the GBD world population and reported per 100 000 population as age-standardised incidence rates, age-standardised death rates, and age-standardised DALY rates. All estimates were generated with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Findings: In 2017, more than 1·22 million (95% UI 1·19–1·25) incident cases of stomach cancer occurred worldwide, and nearly 865 000 people (848 000–885 000) died of stomach cancer, contributing to 19·1 million (18·7–19·6) DALYs. The highest age-standardised incidence rates in 2017 were seen in the high-income Asia Pacific (29·5, 28·2–31·0 per 100 000 population) and east Asia (28·6, 27·3–30·0 per 100 000 population) regions, with nearly half of the global incident cases occurring in China. Compared with 1990, in 2017 more than 356 000 more incident cases of stomach cancer were estimated, leading to nearly 96 000 more deaths. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, the worldwide age-standardised rates of stomach cancer (incidence, deaths, and DALYs) have declined since 1990. The drop in the disease burden was associated with improved Socio-demographic Index. Globally, 38·2% (21·1–57·8) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to high-sodium diet in both sexes combined, and 24·5% (20·0–28·9) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to smoking in males. Interpretation: Our findings provide insight into the changing burden of stomach cancer, which is useful in planning local strategies and monitoring their progress. To this end, specific local strategies should be tailored to each country's risk factor profile. Beyond the current decline in age-standardised incidence and death rates, a decrease in the absolute number of cases and deaths will be possible if the burden in east Asia, where currently almost half of the incident cases and deaths occur, is further reduced. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation